17 Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe With Ricotta Cheese Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Italian cuisine is known for its rich and comforting flavors, and one dish that embodies this is the classic Italian stuffed shells. This delicious dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy and flavorful ricotta cheese mixture, topped with a hearty marinara sauce and melted cheese. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. So, whether you're looking for a new weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this Italian stuffed shells recipe is the perfect choice.
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Large Eggs, Grated
Stuffed Shells are a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its delicious and hearty flavors. These pasta shells are filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a meaty and cheesy filling or a lighter option with vegetables, there is a stuffed shells recipe out there for you. Here are 20 amazing stuffed shells recipes to try out for your next dinner!
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Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Hamburger Meat, Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Onion
Italian Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleasing dish that will transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite. These shells are typically filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, making for a creamy and flavorful filling. You can also add in some ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier option. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian feast.
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Pesto Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Frozen Spinach, Ricotta, Shredded Mozzarella, Basil
If you're a fan of pesto, then you will love these Pesto Stuffed Shells. The creamy and bright flavors of pesto pair perfectly with the pasta shells, creating a delicious and unique dish. The filling is typically made with a combination of pesto, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Top it off with some mozzarella cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Giving Props and Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Egg, Mozzarella Cheese, Grated
When it comes to Italian Stuffed Shells, there are endless possibilities for fillings. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients. Some popular options include adding in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even diced chicken. Don't be afraid to give props to your favorite ingredients and make the recipe your own!
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Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Garlic
This vegetarian option is filled with a mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy cheese and spinach, making for a delicious and healthy option. Add in some diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness and top it off with some mozzarella cheese before baking.
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Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ground Beef, Chopped Onion, Tomato
Combine two classic Italian dishes into one with Lasagna Stuffed Shells. These shells are filled with all the traditional lasagna ingredients, such as ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses. The best part is that it's much easier to assemble than a traditional lasagna, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
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Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Salt, Black Pepper, Parmesan Cheese
Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a simple and delicious option for those who prefer a lighter filling. The ricotta cheese is mixed with herbs and spices, giving it a burst of flavor. You can also add in some chopped spinach or diced chicken for some added protein. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Classic Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Frozen Spinach
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. Classic Stuffed Shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, creating a timeless and delicious dish. Top it off with some marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Fresh Garlic, Fresh
For a healthier twist on the classic stuffed shells, try out this Spinach and Ricotta version. The filling is made with a mixture of spinach, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful combination. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal.
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Beefy Italian Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Diced Yellow Onion
If you're a fan of meaty dishes, then this Beefy Italian Stuffed Shells recipe is for you. The filling is made with a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy any meat lover's cravings.
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Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Crushed Tomatoes, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Salt
Cheesy Stuffed Shells are a cheese-lover's dream come true. These shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese, creating a gooey and cheesy filling. Top it off with some marinara sauce and more cheese for the ultimate indulgence.
This recipe takes the classic stuffed shells to the next level with the addition of four different types of cheese – ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina. The result is a rich and decadent dish that will have you going back for seconds. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian feast.
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Cheese Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella
These Cheese Stuffed Shells are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The filling is made with a combination of cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, creating a light and flavorful option. Top it off with some marinara sauce and bake until bubbly.
This recipe is a combination of two classic Italian dishes – stuffed shells and sausage and peppers. The filling is made with Italian sausage, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve with some crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
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Stuffed Shells with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Frozen Chopped Spinach, Ricotta Cheese, Shredded
For a vegetarian option that doesn't skimp on flavor, try out these Stuffed Shells with Spinach. The filling is made with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful combination. Top it off with some marinara sauce and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Pizza Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Onion, Salt And Ground Black
Combine two of your favorite dishes – pizza and stuffed shells – with this unique recipe. The filling is made with all the classic pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives, creating a delicious and kid-friendly option. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Italian Sausage Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Pasta Shells, Butter, Heavy Cream
This indulgent recipe combines the flavors of Italian sausage and alfredo sauce in one dish. The filling is made with a mixture of Italian sausage, spinach, and a creamy alfredo sauce, creating a rich and flavorful option. Top it off with some mozzarella cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Italian Ground Turkey Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Olive Oil, Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese
For a healthier twist on the classic stuffed shells, try out this Italian Ground Turkey version. The filling is made with ground turkey, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, creating a lighter yet still delicious option. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Zucchini Stuffed Shells With Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Pasta Shells, Zucchini, Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella
For a low-carb option, try out these Zucchini Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage. The filling is made with a mixture of zucchini, Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses, creating a tasty and healthy option. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
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Spinach Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Shells, Spinach, Garlic, Olive Oil, Ricotta Cheese
This vegetarian option is filled with a mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese, creating a light and flavorful dish. The shells are then baked in a bed of marinara sauce and topped with more cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.
These 20 stuffed shells recipes are just a small selection of the many options out there. Get creative and experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination. Serve with a side of salad, some crusty bread, and a glass of wine for the ultimate Italian feast. Buon appetito!
Ingredients:
For the shells:
1 package (12-ounce) jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Fill each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish. Continue until all the shells are filled.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
This Italian stuffed shells recipe with ricotta cheese is a perfect dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble the shells and sauce in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. It also freezes well, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy weeknights. Serve with a fresh salad and some crusty bread for a complete Italian meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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